Looking for a fun and engaging way to teach conversation topics to elementary students? Get free access to Everyday Speech’s elementary school lesson plan on conversation topics:
What Are Conversation Topics?
Conversation topics are the foundation of meaningful interactions. They provide direction in conversations, helping students connect with others by discussing common interests, experiences, and ideas. Effective conversation topics:
- Encourage active participation
- Spark curiosity and engagement
- Help students find common ground with peers
- Build confidence in social interactions
By introducing structured conversation topics, students can develop the ability to navigate discussions more effectively, making their social interactions more natural and enjoyable.
How to Teach Conversation Topics to Students
Teaching students how to engage in meaningful conversations requires both structured guidance and opportunities to practice. This means using guided discussions, modeled conversations, and interactive activities that help students build confidence in choosing and maintaining conversation topics. Using structured activities and practical strategies, educators can give students the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations.
You can successfully teach the art of creating conversation topics with Everyday Speech’s free elementary conversation topics material! This material focuses on Everyday Speech concept called ‘Topic Radar’.
Introducing the ‘Topic Radar’ Method
One of the most effective ways to teach conversation topics is through Everyday Speech’s Topic Radar approach. This method encourages students to:
- Identify conversation topics that interest their peers
- Recognize social cues and contextual clues to guide discussions
- Maintain conversations by transitioning smoothly between related topics
The Topic Radar technique teaches students to select engaging subjects based on shared interests, background knowledge, and situational context. By practicing this method, students develop the ability to carry conversations naturally and keep them flowing.
Teaching students how to start and maintain engaging conversations is a critical life skill. With Everyday Speech’s Topic Radar approach, students learn that keeping a conversation going means choosing topics that interest others—especially ones they have in common.
Download the free conversation topics lesson plan for elementary students!
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan: Teaching Conversation Topics
Teaching conversation topics effectively requires a structured approach that guides students through identifying, selecting, and practicing engaging discussions. This lesson plan will help students build confidence and develop strong communication skills through interactive learning.
1. Introduce the ‘Topic Radar’ Skill
Before diving into the conversation topics material, introduce students to the ‘Topic Radar’ concept. Teach your students that the Topic Radar helps them to think about different topics to talk about with a variety of people.
This is done by; thinking about the other person’s interests, remembering what we know about them, looking for clues around us, and remembering what they have in common with the other person
2. Brainstorm Conversation Topics
Brainstorm a list of 5 conversation topics with your student they could use with two different people. One could be a friend and the other could be a family member.
Encourage your student to use the Topic Radar to help them think about the other persons interests, remember what they know about the other person, and remember what they might have in common with that person. Remind your student that sometimes clueing in to their surroundings during a conversation can also help them think of a topic!
3. Practice with The Topic Radar Game
Our free conversation topics activity, The Topic Radar Game, gives students a chance to practice choosing topics based on others’ interests, their surroundings, and shared experiences. This interactive exercise helps reinforce key conversation skills in a fun and engaging way.
This activity packet and game will teach your students the importance of matching topics to those they are talking to, while having fun!
Bonus! Sample Conversation Topics Video for Middle School
This sample video below is a great enhancement to this Conversation Skills lesson! Everyday Speech provides real-life scenarios as age-appropriate actors model new skills. We offer a 30 day free trial for all of our social skills materials!
